It was a “must” mandate. “Then Jesus said, ‘The Son of Man must suffer many things. He will be rejected by the older Jewish leaders, the leading priests, and teachers of the law. And he will be killed. But after three days he will be raised from death (Luke 9:22-24 ERV).”

We “must” be born again. Nicodemus knew the law; yet, he had a deeper need. “Jesus answered, ‘I assure you, everyone must be born again. Anyone who is not born again cannot be in God’s kingdom (John 3:3 ERV).”

I “must” carry the cross. “Jesus continued to say to all of them, ‘Any of you who want to be my follower must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given you every day for following me (Luke 9:23 ERV).”